The Evaluation of Semi-Continuous Fermentation for Production of Single Cell Protein from Mesquite by Brevibacterium sp. JM 98A.

Date

1974-12

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Publisher

Texas Tech University

Abstract

This paper presents the comparison of single-cell protein (or possibly a complete cattle feed) production of batch culture with that of semi-continuous culture techniques by growth of a Brevibacterium sp. JM 98A on mesquite wood. A Chemapec 14 liter glass fermentor with automatic control of pH, temperature, and foam was used in these studies. A pH range of 6.6 - 7.2 is suitable for growth and protein production by Brevibacterium sp. JM 98A, Comparison of batch culture with semi-continuous culture techniques was based on viable cell counts, C and C, cellulase activities, protein yield, and protein productivity. The consumption and/or alteration of sugar, reducing sugar, cellulose, ash, caloric value, nitrogen, and hydrolysis of mesquite, were used to judge and evaluate these processes. On the 72 hr period of time, the protein yield of semi-continuous culture is 2.7 times greater than that produced from batch culture, and most of the biomass was synthesized by use of wood sugar rather than by the biological degradation of cellulose. Whether other components of mesquite, such as lignin and hemi-cellulose, were utilized in the culture will require further studies. From the viewpoint of singlecell protein (or cattle feed) mass production, the semicontinuous culture method is more economical, more efficient,and less time consuming.

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